Scott and Lisa Carrino said the new venture came about after community support and prodding. "It's a natural extension of our bakery up at our farm," said Scott. After operating the Pompanuck Farm Institute since 1991 and the Round House Bakery there for the past three years, "this was just a natural evolution for us."

"We always missed this place being open." With its first floor walk-in bank vault still prominent, the 1867 historic brick building at the corner of Washington and East Main streets was originally home to the Cambridge Valley National Bank.

Building owner Bill Creitz operated Bean Heads for years before retiring and closing the business in December 2005. The coffee shop was originally founded in the 1990s by Timothy Moynihan.

Opened this past Wednesday, the new café offers a full array of Round House baked goods -- hearth breads, cookies, muffins, and cakes -- that have been available at farmers markets in Cambridge and Glens Falls, the Cambridge Co-op, and Spice ‘n Nice in Bennington, Vt.

Lunch offerings at the new eatery -- mostly organic and locally sourced -- include soups and stews, salads, and sandwiches. Breakfast options include pastries and frittatas. Naturally there's coffee and WiFi.

The Carrinos said they are exhibiting works by local artists and plan to bring back music and events that previously enlivened the coffee shop.

The venture has already received strong community support in the form of a "friends' club," in which those interested can "pre-buy" baked goods, meals, and coffee. About 75 have already signed up. Each time club members visit the café, a portion of their bill is deducted from their investment until the amount is paid back. Members-only specials are also planned.

The Round House Bakery Café is located at 1 Washington St. in Cambridge. Current hours are Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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